By Dewey Terrill
JC Post
PlayJC.org wants to become the hub for youth sports and activities in the Junction City community. Organizers unveiled their plans during a press conference Wednesday night at the C.L. Hoover Opera House. They want to streamline youth activities.
Spokesman Kendall Schoenrock outlined three primary goals including the sharing of information to the public. supporting existing programs and site development. That latter goal could involve the use of facilities. Schoenrock is suggesting a five year plan to build momentum and allow the community to buy in. Schoenrock stated the project would include formation of a website for “all things youth sports related in the region.” He stated PlayJC.org would be partnership driven, have a nonprofit led vision, stakeholder collaboration and then a longer term plan.
Schoenrock said the organization could provide league marketing and promotion services, support new league development, facilitate existing resources, and standardize the registration process. A longer goal would be to attract regional events to Junction City such as tournaments.
There have been some conversations with USD 475 officials about the potential of using some of the facilities at the current Junction City High School site on North Eisenhower Drive once the new high school opens on the west side of town, but nothing has been determined and no final decisions have been made.
Multiple members of the USD 475 Board of education were in attendance including Jim Schmidt. He is excited about the effort by PlayJC.org. “We’ve known from the beginning when the steering committee ( for the new high school ) took off, and the campaign, the successful bond election, that there were dominoes that could potentially fall that would play for the community.” He cited the potential benefits for the youth and the local economy, adding he is anxious to see where this project goes.
Library Director Susan Moyer said any way the library might fit into this effort is all to be determined. “If there is a location where we can host classes which we do as part of our current program we’d be happy to be involved in that.” Moyer said if there is space where a piece of their proposed library building project could be located officials would consider it. But she also made it clear that no decisions have been made on that issue. “No clear vision for any of us at this time but it’s all in the early planning stages. We’re real happy to be part of that.”
Terrah Stroda outlined the vision for PlayJC.org which will including putting all the activities on a website at one location. “That we can get more kids engaged and fuel excitement for youth sports in our town.” On the subject of facilities she noted that they are trying to find the gaps, necessities and opportunities for youth activities. “So, is there a need for space, is there a need for fields, is there a need for a community hub, a specific location?”
Numerous local organizations had representatives in attendance at the press conference ranging from the YMCA to Junior Baseball. There was a strong community turnout for the press conference which marked the beginning of a grassroots push for youth sports and activities in Junction City.
Manhattan Area of Chamber of Commerce officials have expressed disappointment over the news that Manhattan’s 24-year relationship with Country Stampede is ending. They added that they are pleased to have been a part of the success of the country music festival.
